London Eye Rules & Visitor Guidelines

The London Eye operates as a sealed, climate-controlled observation wheel and the rules are mostly common-sense safety items — no large bags, no smoking, no tripods. Photography is welcome (including phones, DSLRs and selfie sticks), so most riders find the rules light-touch compared with museums and palaces. See our visitors guide and accessibility page for related info.

Key rules to know

A short list — the rest is normal observation-wheel etiquette

🔍

Airport-style security

All visitors pass through a quick security screen at the boarding deck — bags are X-rayed and large items are restricted. Allow 5–10 minutes; longer on weekends and during school holidays. No sharp objects, no weapons, no alcohol from outside.

🎒

Bag size limit

Small day bags can come into the capsule. Anything larger (rucksacks, large totes, shopping bags) must be checked at the on-site luggage office for £5 per item. No suitcases — store them at Waterloo station's left luggage (5 min walk).

📷

Photography welcome

Phone, DSLR and selfie-stick photography are all welcome inside the capsule. Tripods are not allowed because they block other riders' view. Drones are banned across central London airspace including the Eye.

🚭

No smoking or vaping

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the capsules, on the boarding deck or anywhere on the Queen's Walk boarding area. A designated smoking area is available across the road on Westminster Bridge Road.

Rules & Regulations FAQ

Common questions about what's allowed

Can I take photos inside the capsule?

Yes — fully. Phone, DSLR and mirrorless cameras are welcome. Selfie sticks are fine. Tripods are not allowed because they block other riders. Drones are banned across central London including the airspace above the Eye.

What size bag is allowed?

Small day bags and backpacks fit inside the capsule. Anything larger (suitcases, oversized shopping bags) must be left at the on-site luggage office (£5/item) or at Waterloo station's left luggage facility, 5 minutes away.

Are tripods, drones or selfie sticks permitted?

Selfie sticks: yes, inside the capsule. Tripods: no — they're too bulky for the shared space. Drones: no — central London airspace is restricted and the Eye sits in a no-fly zone.

Can I bring a baby carrier or pushchair?

Baby carriers are welcome on the wheel. Pushchairs (strollers) cannot go inside the capsule — fold them at the boarding deck where staff will store them while you ride. Under-3s ride free on a parent's lap, no ticket required.

Is the wheel quiet inside?

Mostly — the capsules are sealed and well insulated, so traffic noise from the bridges is barely audible. There's ambient music in some capsules. Phone calls are allowed but most riders save them for after the rotation.

Can I bring food?

Snacks and bottled water are allowed. No hot food (the smell affects other passengers) and no alcohol from outside (unless you're on the Champagne Experience where it's served onboard). Chewing gum is discouraged.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

No — smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes are banned in the capsules, on the boarding deck and along the Queen's Walk boarding area. A designated outdoor smoking area is across the road on Westminster Bridge Road.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code — wear comfortable shoes for the boarding deck and a light layer for British weather walking to the site. The capsule itself is air-conditioned and stays around 22°C year-round, regardless of the temperature outside.